The most likely reason to be started on amlodipine is for blood pressure control. It causes relaxation and dilation of the blood vessels leading to lowering of blood pressure. The other reason people are started on amlodipine is for control of chest pain in people with coronary artery disease, amlodipine is thought to achieve this effect by decreasing the amount of work the heart has to do with each beat. Although most people won’t experience amlodipine side effects, it is important to be aware of them as in some cases, amlodipine side effects will require them to discontinue the medication.
The Most Common – Ankle Swelling
Swelling is the most common of amlodipine side effects, usually manifesting as swelling of the feet and ankles. If we look at clinical trial studies of amlodipine that looked at thousands of patients, the number of people experiencing swelling appears to be related to the dose taken. In those taking low dose (2.5mg) amlodipine, about 2 people in every 100 taking the drug reported leg swelling (2%). In those taking higher dose (10mg) amlodipine, about 10 people in every 100 reported leg swelling (10%). Interestingly, women are more likely to get the swelling, and most people tolerate this well and do not have to discontinue the medication.
Less Common Side Effects – Fatigue and Flushing
Less common amlodipine side effects are fatigue and flushing. In studies of amlodipine fatigue was reported in 5% of people taking the drug. Interestingly 3% of people taking a sugar pill (placebo) in the same studies reported fatigue also. Flushing is slightly less common. At the low doses such as 2.5mg, less than 1% of people report flushing, however at higher doses up to 3% of people report flushing, and this is more common in women. The number of people reporting palpitations is similar. Abdominal pain is reported even less frequently. The decision as to whether to stop the medication due to these amlodipine side effects should be determined with the prescribing doctor on a case-by-case basis.
Uncommon And Rare Side Effects
There is a long list of amlodipine side effects that occur in less than 1 in 100 people taking the medication and an even longer list that occur in less than 1 in 1000 people taking the complication. These include allergic reactions, shortness of breath, itching and cramps. Clicking on the following link will take you to the FDA prescribing information for amlodipine that contains this long list of uncommon and rare amlodipine side effects and details about other studies of the drug.
What To Do If You Think You Have A Side Effect
As can be seen on many Internet message boards, given the fact amlodipine is such a highly prescribed medication, there will always be people that have, or are concerned they have a side effect. Of course in some cases, the people will tolerate these amlodipine effects more than others. In every case of concern this should be discussed with the prescribing doctor. If the side effect is troublesome, the only way to know for sure if amlodipine is causing the symptoms is to have a trial of stopping the medication. Fortunately amlodipine side effects are not common. Also amlodipine is not generally prescribed on an emergency basis, and alternatives are often available, so if the patient decides with the help of their doctor to stop the medication and try an alternative it is not usually a critical issue.
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I have some swelling. But I have what looks like a concentration of freckles around my feet.
I’ve been on increased dose of amlodipine for a month now,I also had itchy feet,mainly on top near toes,it seems to have calmed down,now I just get swollen ankles all the time
Well my grandma takes the pill the big ones she can barely walk ..her leg tight in up and got smaller ..and then her feet get dark and tight and sometimes they swell. She’s on the 10 mg.Someone Answer? What can she do ?
She should see the Dr that prescribed the amlodipine and discuss a possible relation to the swelling. If felt to be related then discuss alternative blood pressure agents.
I have swollen ankles and feet and a terribly painful angry red ankle rash
I have swollen ankles too. I’ve taken this medication before and hate it’s side effects. Will seek more natural sources eat well and exercise. Pharma’s are not always best.
I’m taking amlodipine 5mg daily and it’s causing very bad swelling in my ankles and feet. This problem is beginning to be bothersome. I haven’t mentioned it to m my doctor yet, waiting on an appointment. The swelling won’t go down with diuretic or elevation.
It needs to be changed to another medication please follow with the Dr soon.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
My doctor said she can’t Change the medicine be cause I. Am allergic to other medicine she has tried on me 5mg wAs fine when she up the medicine . That’s when my feet and ankles swelled. Can l cut pill in half . She told me to wear compression sock.
Compression socks generally won’t help. I tried them & they did not. Finally had to give up on the Amlodipine. Don’t remember what I took. It was something I only had to take for about 4-6 months, I believe.
Hanna says : I would be looking for another doc. I was just taken off of the amlodopine, swollen ankles all of the sudden put on 19 pounds because of water retention in a month and half, I’ve noticed more hair growth on my face like ( Peach Fuzz ) on the sides of my face, and my nose hair seamed like it was getting thicker. I’ve been short of breath all the sudden off and on, now don’t get me wrong I have COPD and I’ve done my homework on this matter, when you can’t breath from COPD it’s all of the time not here and there. I’m not a Doctor, but I wish I was someone that could help people learn about these medicines, because every medicine has side effects, and I do believe there are some medicine that do really help a lot. BUT DANG THESE DRUG COMPANIES ARE SPITTIN STUFF OUT LIKE CANDY TO MAKE MONEY. I TRULY HOPE EVERONE OF YALL THAT COMMENTED ON HERE ABOUT THIS MEDICINE I HOPE YALL ARE DOING WELL
I was taking 2.5mg of amlopidine. The E.R doctor took it upon her self to raise my amlopidine to 10mg .weeks after I too am suffering from the swelling .lower leg more of .and the foot n ankle area at times .not too mention other issues it was causing making me feel like crap. My doctor lowered it to 5 but i think one of 2 things has to happen either it has to be lowered some more or its got to go . .ive taken the water pills for 5 days and the swelling is still there .plenty of blood labs were run in my numerous E R visits my vital organs are working fine so they said. its that medicine im thinking
How are thing going for you now.. I know it is september… but I am going through what you experienced and probably will have to call doctor Monday but interested in what you did
I also tried a diuretic (water pill) while on Amlodipine for my swelling. It does not help. You will go to the bathroom like crazy, but it won’t change the status of your legs. Sorry.
Well i take the meds and i started off with the freckles only around my feet now there covering my body
I have recently had my Amlopodine increased from 5mg to 10mg by my GP. I also rake Losartin 100 mg.
I am getting severe swelling of my feet, ankles and up to my thighs. I have also got what looks like hives and my skin is itching like mad!
If you are getting severe swelling, you may well need to discontinue the amlodipine, i recommend you discuss this with the prescribing physician.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
I have been taking Amlodipine 5 mg once a day since 05/2016. The only side effect that I have experienced is swelling around my ankles. My ankles hurt. The swelling does get better when I elevate my feet. It seems I keep a pocket of fluid right below my ankle. Should I be concerned? Should I change my medication? I have never been on anything except Amlodpine. What is the actual cause of my ankles swelling?
Im my patients with ankle swelling in general, i switch them to another anti-hypertensive agent.
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@MustafaAhmedMD. What to do the ease the discomfort of feet swelling thanks.
If its due to the amlodipine then you should switch to another medicine.
My go has taken me off amlodipine for a month ‘after one week my feet and ankles are lovely now no swelling ‘it also caused redness and recurring infections like cellulitis ‘I am on 2beta blockers so hopefully I can stay off it .
Excellent.
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i was feeling great with 5 mg and my home monitor showed that my blood pressure was still up so i was had it increased to 10 mg and thats when i got a rash on my face (not itchy) x 4 days now and yesterday my feet and ankles started swelling. I brought home bp monitor in to test it against my dr and mine was off by 14 points so i’m going back down to the 5 and i might just change the medication all together if it continues because of the 10 mg triggering it.
Pls am interested
how long after stopping the medicine does it take for swelling and symptoms to subside
Should be fast, Days to weeks.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
Good afternoon,in 2014,i woke up in the morning,i couldnt breathe well,it was strange,so i went to see the cardiologist,he immediately placed me on (spirilactone 50mg,dicoxine 0.25mg,lisanopril 10mg,ferusimide 80mg,vasoprin,.and all of a sudden i started feeling better.In june 2016,my condition became bad,i saw another cardiologist,and she placed me on co-diovan 160/25,it was okay for sometime,before it relapsed,i was admitted in the hospital in june 2017,i was diagnized with high blood pressure,congestive heart failure,Angina and irregular heart beat.i recovered,i was placed on (spirilactone 50mg-twice daily,allopurinol 100mg-three times daily,amlodipine 10mg-once daily,cataflam 50mg),but my biggest problem is i can hardly work,i have severe swelling on my ankle and feet,i complained to the doctor,they said the level of uric acid in my body is too high,the pain is unbearable,i cant work out,i cant sleep well,i can barely function,im having problem breathing well,eating,sleeping.im over weight,having chest pain periodically,I have stopped using the amlodipine for 2 days now,it got finished and i havent bought a new one.please what should i do,what can i take for this severe pain on my left ankle and feet,what can i use to substitute the amlodipine 10mg,please help me,i need help.i have taken alot of pain relievers,i even placed my self on diclofenac injection 75 ampulles just to reduce the pain.
I don’t think the amlodipine is related, the amlodipine in some people can cause leg swelling. It does not really have a role in leg pain. My advice is to go seek comprehensive medical evaluation.
Well I’ve been on and load up in 10 mg and then they lowered me to 5 mg due to the leg and ankle swelling and after four maybe five months of being on 5 mg once a day my legs and ankles swelled so much I could hardly walk they hurt I stop taking amlodipine four days ago and the swelling and stuff is still there now I’ve got a like a red rash through the middle of my calf down to my ankles
I started on 5 mg then 1 month later on hctz and 2.5 of amlodipine. Just after 1 month of this I had severe leg, abdominal pressure and bloating! Yes your legs are so swollen it hurts like a bad sunburn. I gained 18 pounds in a month. I stopped 2 days ago and what a difference..
It did the same crap to me. Swelling. Short of breath (rare side effect) rapid hair growth like peach fuzz, nose hair, itching beond control on my feet, its been 4 days I’ve been off of them , my feet are not swelling quite as bad, but its getting better.
Yes, it does have a role in leg (ankle) pain. On 10 mg I had side effects that just got worse and worse. You really need to do your research about this drug.
Do blood pressure meds lose their effectiveness if taken for a long time? I have been on Diovan 320 mg (the brand); Sular 17mg (brand) for many years. My blood pressure is still too high. I have very severe ankle and foot swelling because of these meds. What else would you recommend in place of these meds— something more effective that does not cause ankle/ and feet swelling? Thanks. Vicky
Hi Vicky, i will stop short of recommending a treatment regimen over the net however i can tell you there are multiple alternatives that can be tried.
Because of my sudden feet and ankle swelling my dr. took me completely off of 10 mg. of amlodipine and increased my benazepril dosage from 20 mg to 40 mg daily. Is benazepril alone effective for high blood pressure control? I am an 80 year old African American female. Thank you.
what determines whether leg and feet swelling is because of water retention rather than a vascular problem of poor circulation causing blood to pool in ankles and feet, appearing as swelling? I am an 80 year old African American female. Thank you.
This can easily be determined with testing for competence of blood supply.
I have been on Amolodipine for a few years and recently my ankles are quite swollen, since I’ve taken the med for quite some time could I have a reaction now?
Amlodipine has leg swelling as a known side effect however its important to seek medical evaluation to rule out other causes of leg swelling prior to attributing it to amlodipine here since you have been taking it for so long.
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How long does it take after stopping amlodopine for the swelling to go away?
I have been off Amlodipine for 5 days, and the swelling in my feet, ankles and lower legs has gone. I still have a little discomfort, because my skin seems to have been stretched by the fluid retention. I had been taking Amlodipine for almost 6 years.
I started on 5 mg then 1 month later on hctz and 2.5 of amlodipine. Just after 1 month of this I had severe leg, abdominal pressure and bloating! Yes your legs are so swollen it hurts like a bad sunburn. I gained 18 pounds in a month. I stopped 2 days ago and what a difference..
Omg thank god!
Did you wean yourself off? I want to stop cold turkey, but I was told I need to wean to avoid a major spike in my pressure.
About 10 days ago my Amlodipine which started at 2.5, then increased after a yr to 5 mg was increased to 10 mg 10 days ago. For the past 3 days I have experience severe swelling in ankles and feet with itchiness. After looking at what might have changed this is the closest conclusion the increase. Very thankful the pictures on the web brought me to your website. I will be seeing my doctor tomorrow to resolve this issue if or if not its the increase.
Glad it was of help.
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5mg of Amlodipine has been taken continuously twice a day since the kidney transplant took place in the year 2014. My daughter has developed a swelling on her feet and ankles. This issue has been consulted with Nephrologist in one of the renown hospitals of India. At the same time, creatinine level from 1.2 to 1. 33, therefore Nephrologists have suggested renal biopsy to determine the proper function or rejection of the transplant kidney but there was no indication of rejection.(after test). Therefore, I would be grateful to know if you could kindly highlight the swelling of legs.
I have been taking amlodipine for about 6-7 years. Recently I’ve been getting swelling in my legs that leaves a very pronounced “sock ring” which usually goes away in a few hours. However I’ve recently been getting SEVERE leg cramping at night that wakes me up 2-3 times a night. At times it is so painful that it fees like my shin is going to break. Could this severe cramping be related to the amlodipine (10 mg. once daily) ?
Its less likely since its a new problem despite long standing use of the medication. With regard to the cramping have the levels of blood potassium and other salts been checked? Has a diuretic been started that could be causing this? Its worth a check up and some testing to answer the above.
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I have been taking Caduet (amlodopine 10mg/Lipitor 20mg) for about ten years. Blood pressure well controlled (120/80 or less). Some days my ankles are swollen. Some days not too much. I am fairly active. Is it normal to get some days of swelling after all these years?
I am on amlodipine 5mg and told my GP I only take 2.5 now my blood pressure at home show mostly 127/81 or in between
147/79 to /84 but in surgery its between 163/90 or 153/ 90.
I would like to try and leave them off and see how my blood pressure goes. They also make the bottom of my legs red.
I have been taken amlodipine at 10mg one per day. Been taking for about one year. I’ve noticed indenting around my legs from my socks, never noticed before. Also have seen problems with sexual performance that I first thought maybe stress. I feel that the bp med is the culprit. I’m 55.
Thank you. I have been taking Amlodipine for a couple weeks now and have both of those side effects. Now im sure the Amlodopine is causing it.
Are there other blood pressure medications that work like Amlodipine but do not cause all of the swelling?
Yes, many.
Thanks doc,My ankles and legs swelling are the result of my 80/5 twynsta medication.
What other blood pressure medications work like amlodipine butdo not cause all the swelling?
[email protected] I need alternative medication, swelling in ankles and feet.
Hi, I’m 42 yrs old with no other health issues but recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. My gp started me with hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg) but my potassium levels were down. So I was switched to amlodipine (5mg). Given all the side effects, can I start with 2.5mg and see how it goes instead of 5 mg right away?
Thanks
5mg is the usual starting dose. Most people don’t have side effects with it.
Not true. MANY people have had side effects on this, including myself. Very questionable drug at best.
I agree! And horrible!
On 2.5 mg horrible side effects.They should ban this drug.
yep i didn’t till i went to 10 mg then it started small little rash bumps on my face only that are not itchy and swelling ankles and feet after 3 day of this medication being increased from 5 to 10 the rash started the next day the swelling on the 3rd day. INFORMATION IS POWER I HAVE ALWAYS SAID THAT> KEEP SHARING PEOPLE
Hi Elaine,
I too am an otherwise healthy female in my 40s recently taking Amlodipine. My doctor started me on 5 mg. I’m not a fan of taking medications, but have tried reducing on my own with no long term success. I’ve experienced some swelling on the bottom of my right foot. I’m one week in and The med seems to be working. What’s your experience with Amlodipine?
So funny you say your right foot, my right foot and ankle is more swollen than my left perhaps because of the blood flow and the heart on the left side of the body hmmmmm. I’d like some feedback from our nice Dr. on this please.
In general the swelling from amlodopine would be on both sides. If one side is swollen, a work up to rule out other causes should be performed also.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
I have been taking amlodopine for 3 months. Both of my ankles and feet are swollen. The right more than the left. My doctor has taken me off, and prescribed another BP medication. Some of the swelling has gone down, just not completely.
If it affects your quality of life, discuss a change with the dr.
You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
I would not take them for love or money. Everyone on this web site has said the same thing about
this medicine. Some have been on it a few weeks and some 6 to 10 years, it not a good medicine aperently. Statins are the same way.
I was on 20 mg Lisinopril for over a year with no discernible side effect. It seemed to work and dropped my blood pressure down into the 120 – 130 systolic range most of the time. My GP switched me to Amlodipine 5 mg at my last visit, since she thought it might be contributing to a cough that I attributed to seasonal allergies. I’ve been taking it for about 10 days now and I noticed two instances when I start to exercise, my chest feels tight and I feel slightly short of breath for a few minutes. That feeling dissipates quickly but it is disconcerting since I have never had that before. Is this a side effect of Amlodipine?
Not necessarily however you need to call the prescribing physician and discuss this symptom.
I’ve been taking amlodipine for almost a year and i notice swelling on my ankles and thighs and i could not sleep at night because of itching and tingling that kept me awake and going in the morning.
Rosalina
I’ve been taking amlodipine for about 3 weeks and II’ve notice my feet and my both ankles were swollen and I feel very stiff when I walk and achenes and tingling at night, I can’t hardly sleep.
Now I’m off for 4 weeks but the water still there and now it gone up to my legs, will this ever gets any better or worse ?
I’ve been taking amlodipine for almost a year and i notice swelling on my ankles and thighs and i could not sleep at night because of itching and tingling that kept me awake and going in the morning.
I’ve been taking amlodipine for almost a year and i notice swelling on my ankles and thighs and i could not sleep at night because of itching and tingling that kept me awake and going in the morning.
I’ve been taking amlodipine for almost a year and i notice swelling on my ankles and thighs and i could not sleep at night because of itching and tingling that kept me awake and going in the morning.
You should discuss an alternative medication with your prescribing physician.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I’ve been taking Amlodipine 10mg for about 3 months & I have lower leg & ankle swelling & S.O.B.anxiety ….But, I tried HCTZ 12.5mg for about 2 yrs & it made me drop yo much weight too fast & depleted my potassium & caused neuropathy, numbness l tingling in my feet.. It t proved to be dangerous due to me not being able to feel or control my footing going downstairs on carpet @ home & I fell & injured my hip & shifted my spine..
Good information Dr you give to patients,you lessen our worries especially to those who are miles away to GP or proper medical service
Glad you find it helpful.
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I’ve been taking norvasc 5mg for a while and have swelling in face, fingers, and feet!
Is this the medication?
Thx
Its possible and should be discussed with the prescribing physician.
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I took amlodipine for 1 week and had a myriad of side effects, the worst being watery red eyes and blurred vision. I didn’t take it for 24 hrs and by 36 hrs my se’s had disappeared. I am now taking losartan 25mg but my BP is dropping too low and making me feel weak. Can I break the tablet and take 12.5mg instead?
Good morning Doctor,
Have you heard of similar cases after taking Hydrochlorothiazide? My daughter (12 years) has been taking this medicine for several years and has identical spots on her legs. Every year it is getting bigger and bigger. Nobody knows the cause
I have been taking 10mg every other day for the past year and around mid day I get face flushing, red ears and very warm face which lasts for 3 or 4 hours. Is this a side effect and is there something else to lower blood pressure?
If only on the days you take your med this may be the case and alternatives will be available that can be discussed with the prescribing physician.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I started 5 mg Amlodipine on Dec26 as an addition to Ibersartan, which I’ve been on for years, and had a photo-toxic reaction on Dec28, a sunburn that came about with hardly any exposure. I blamed it on skin ointments. Realized it might be the Amlodipine, and stopped it on Jan2 (basically took it for 8 days). Dermatologist confirmed, “Phototoxic reaction, likely due to systemic medication.” I’ve been working out and brought my BP down to 122/80. But….I ended up with hives on back over the last several days. I went to my GP who said, that this is likely due to the same thing, and that though the Amlodipine is out of my system (been off 2 weeks), my skin is affected, and therefore, I can still react. He said just like the sun was catalyst for a reaction, my sweat and heat from working out can be the same. He prescribed Antihistamines and gave me a shot of trimcinalone, to quiet the underlying cause, a reaction to Amlodipine or something else. If my skin has been sensitized by the Amlodipine, is there a timeline for this to abate. I’m sure the treatment will be effective for the hives now….but how long will this situation last? I realize that each case is different, but is there a general timeline. Thank you for having this very informative website!
I have been taking amlodine 5mg isn’t a day and losartan potassium 25mg daily also ankels and feet swell up a little what is it now is always good please answer me.
If the swelling is an issue it may be worth discussing amlodipine use with your prescriber.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I started 5mg of Amlodipine on January 25th. Ten days ago, a few small bumps appeared on both my arms in an isolated area. They were itchy. Since then, both of my arms (entire arm) have become itchy. It is not all the time, but cycles through out the day. Itches for a bit and then completely stops.
I talked with my cardiologist and she said it is unlikely that the itching on my arms is caused by this medication. Also went to a dermatologist and she did not know what it is or what could be causing it.
Are you aware of any issues with Amlodipine and itchy arms?
Thank you so much.
At the time I didn’t know amlodopine could do thus but it made my feet so itchy I thought I had fleas. Oh my word they itched so bad
I am pleased I have read these comments. I have been on amolodapine since my operation for breast cancer on 11 Dec 2018. I’ve also had a PE in my lung from surgery complications and infections. I am now more worried about the PE’s than the cancer even though I am taking the blood thinner Riveroxyban for six mnths, This is because my thighs have started feeling very warm and have some ankle swelling. Am also getting face flushing. But I see now that these symptoms could be because of the Amolodapine and not more PE’s. So, I am now going to see my doctor and ask for a change of blood pressure meds – and try to stop worrying about more PE’s! Thanks All.
I am a 30 year old physically active, African American male with FSGS and proteinuria. My BMI is 30.2 but I look fit and have muscles (I could lose 20 lbs tho).
I was diagnosed with this when I was 18 then forgot about it.
My blood pressure was 180/115 one day I went to the Dr.
Doctor put me on 5mg of amlodipine 5 days ago and instantly I feel weak, loss of erection and edema in joints of the left side of my body.
I truly think that this drug increases the chances of Congestive Heart Failure since it dilates vascular AND cardiac tissue.
Plus it only seems to drop my systolic but not my diastolic that much.
I don’t want to this drug to exacerbate any heart issues. Especially since it; accumulates in tissues after steady use and has a long half-life.. And tests conducted on humans have not included long-term use (more than 5 years) and overdosing trails on mice have led to death..(phizer has not disclosed how).
I want to get a lipid profile to see if my diastolic is high due to arteriosclerosis.
If it is, then I would go the holistic route and take a systemic proteolytic enzyme called serrapeptase to reduce cholesterol build up which can be a cause for high diastolic pressure and possibly reduce the scarring in the kidneys which is known to happen with FSGS.
I’ve also been a huge subscriber to high dose vitamin D and Fish Oil in the past, with the evidence that High does Vitamin D (5000 IU every 2-3 days) lowered blood sugar (I’m not diabetic) and that EPA and DHA in Fish Oil lowered cholesterol..
Now I’m finding out that DHA does the opposite and raises your bad cholesterol.
I don’t want to continue taking this drug for the rest of my life just to regulate my BP; not do I want to be on water pills or ACEs.
I am currently fasting and lost 6lbs in 4 days in the hopes that fat loss would ease the workload on my kidneys and heart.
Dr., Do you have or did you have any patients who developed a weakened heart/CHF after treatment of amlodipine?
That’s a harrowing thought, Chris.
I was on this drug for too long, in my opinion. I took it for roughly two years and in the last few months the side effects gradually got worse, and the GP I was seeing had the “bright idea” to raise the dose to 10 mg. Bad mistake, and I should have refused—-which is something I do with any doctor now since I’ve had problems with a few drugs over time. I’m off amlodipine and will never take anything like it again.
It does mimic the pre-conditions for heart failure, and I am concerned that it make have done damage from those last few months even though it has been out of my system for a time now. I’ve been doing things (largely) naturally to strengthen myself health-wise and probably will get away from most meds for good.
The idea that this drug has not been “tried and true” in the long term is very telling. I’ve changed my life around because of it and at the same time I’m wary of the medical industry. If you read this, tell me how you are doing if you can. I warn people of this drug because there’s too many stories like mine and they are growing. Why this is prescribed is very frustrating, to say the least. Terrible drug.
I am also experiencing many side effects. Started on 5mg had itching all over, flushing, feeling weak. Very low diastolic, heart palpitations. Also tingling in left side of face and left arm. Cut down to 2.5 still have fatigue and tingling and low diastolic.
In Dec was given 50mg of Losartan. Had side effects. Then put on amlodipine/benazepril 10/40. Side effects, put on 5/20 of that med. Fainted, then was told to go off cold turkey. Wouldn’t go off cold turkey, so was put on 2.5 amlodipine. Still get very weak. Should I go off that? If so, cold turkey? Felt fine before any of these meds.
First thing to do is to discuss with the prescribing physician and also to discuss that you feel the medications may have led to an unacceptable effect on quality of life.
Also, I am 83 & was healthy before these meds except a little high blood pressure off & on.
Have reduced my Amlodipine back to 5mgs from 10 mgs a week ago ( with doctors consent) but still have red itch patches on feet. How can I tell if it’s cellulitis ?
I take 5mg Amlodipine daily. I have sever itching in scalp and a lot of hair loss. Is it due to the med?
I am 42 and suffer from high blood pressure. Don’t know if there’s an underlying cause. My doctor increased my amlodopine from 5 to 10. Three days later, My ankles and feet are swollen and turn red/purple when on my feet and sitting. Goes away when I elevate my legs. I titified my doctor and said to atop taking the meds and go to urgent care. My question is, do I really need to go to urgent care?
The urgent care part of it may have been to rule out other possible causes, also the legs turning red and purple is a little atypical for amlodipine.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
I am 42 and have high blood pressure. 150/100. Diastolic number is always high even if systolic number is in 120’s. Don’t know if there’s an underlying cause. My doctor prescribed amlodopine. Started with 5mg and when that dosage didn’t lower it, doctor increased it to 10 mg. It’s been 3 days and now my ankles and feet are swollen and turn red/purple when on my feet and sitting. Goes away when I elevate my legs. I notified my doctor and said to stop taking the meds and go to urgent care. My question is, do I really need to go to urgent care?
hi i’ve had swollen legs both of them for approx. 1yr and a half and i’ve been put on water pills and nothin.then they started rapping with koban raps and still no improvement.then unfortunately i ended up in the hospital with what they said is a stroke.while in the hospital they took me off my blood pressure pill after noticing my swollen legs and within a time period my legs went back to normal.now home again their swollen again until i see my pharmasit and dr. i have a specialist asking them to take out that pill..
Hey doc. I’m a 32 year old physically active male. I run every morning, eat healthy Sunday-Friday, and had high blood pressure for a long time before seeking help. I was on a 5 mg dose of Amlodipine for about a year, and it didn’t do much for my blood pressure but I also didn’t have any side effects. The doctor then bumped my dosage up to 10 mgs, and ever since then I get seemingly random swelling in my feet, ankles, and knees that varies in severity. It was once so bad that I went to the ER because I thought something was seriously wrong. Is this normal for this medication? I’ve started taking CQ2, potassium, L Arginine, Fish Oil, and Garlic vitamins on top of the Amlodipine in hopes of helping all this out. Is this a bad idea?
Makes sense to discuss an alternative at this point.
You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
What are you taking now?
Hi. I have high blood pressure. Was put on Valsartan 160, Hydrocloriazide and amlopidin 5mg. I am having different side effects. Flushing, trobing and pounding throat, chest, neck. I have been 15 days on the amlopidin, i wonder if its the cause becasue i read that palpitations could be a side sympton. I am scared because I never had that before…
I was on amlodipine 10 mg for about a year, as well as valsartan/hctz 320/25 for much longer. The amlodipine caused swelling of my feet and ankles as well as moderate numbness of the soles and toes. It felt like my skin had duct tape on it making it less flexible. I came off of the amlodipine because of the foot discomfort and numbness (since I complained so much about it.) The cardiologist up my dosage of atenolol from 25 to 50 to compensate. The swelling went away, but some of the numbness remains 9 months after stopping amlodipine. I had cardio stress test (was ok) and ultrasound of my lower extremities for circulation (was very good.) Will I ever get the feeling back in my toes and forward portion of my soles? Did amlodipine cause permanent damage to my feet, especially toes?
George,
I am having an issue with that as well, numbness in toes, and a moderate burning sensation, and stiffness, with some swelling (not much). Anything in the hands or fingers?
Switched from lisinopril to amlodipine. I have muscle spasms and twitching on my left side. Is this a normal side effect?
I have been taking Perinda plus for the past 3 years and the side effects were vertigo and tiredness.My GP has changed my meds to Amopidine 10 mg for 1 week now.my ankle is very swollen and my shoes dont fit me this morning.
Very concerned about my medical condition lately.
I have been on Amlodipine 10 mg for a month or so, the only thing I have noticed different is my feet are slightly swollen, with some tightness, tingling, and they feel hotter. red splotches are also present.
Goggle won’t let me post so don’t count on information they only tell what you to know.
I am a mess. I was given amolodipine for raynauds bc the Cardizem was making contipated. I took it for 3 days. I swelled up like an elephant. I couldn’t breath pain in ankles stiffness and pain in hands etc….I stopped it immediately…6 mths later my legs are still a swollen mess, short of breath and terrible pain. NONE of my drs offer any solution. They said oh it will go away…NO it didn’t go away. This messed up my legs so bad i can barely walk somedays. This makes me so angry. Never had the first pain in my legs and knees until i took the meds…what can i do? I think it messed up my heart.
I was just in the hospital for air in my lung and 2 broken ribs. I had a chest tube. They took the tube out and noticed my ankle is swollen.
I have been on Amlodipine 5mg. for years with slight swelling. B/P has increased so the GP increased the drug to 10mg. My Rt. foot only swelled terribly and have the red spots slowly working it’s way up the leg and starting on the lt. leg too. Rt. foot was so swollen I could not even get my shoes on. Thought It might be a clot so went to ER. All test came back neg. I have a Cardio Doctor since 2009 due to triple bypass. I am also DM2. Everyone was on Spring break but finally go ahold of Cardio Dr. and I was put on Losartan/HCTZ and swelling is slowly going down. Wish me luck.
I’ve been taking this medication in a 5 milligram dose, once daily for about 2 months. I have been experiencing numbness in my face, scalp, lower abdomen, near my lips and in my face for about a week, now. Two days into it, I was checked out at the local hospital’s emergency department and stroke was ruled out. The thought is it could be occipital neuralgia, and I will be seeing a neurologist along with my general practitioner within the next week to begin trying to nail down the exact reason; however, in the meantime, I am wondering how prevalent it is for people to have a numbness reaction to taking this medication.